Former two-time light heavyweight champion Kovalev set for
Top Rank on ESPN debut
(Sept. 14, 2018) - Sergey "Krusher" Kovalev and Eleider
"Storm" Alvarez lit up the Atlantic City Boardwalk in a
pitched battle last month. The two will renew acquaintances
early next year live on a Top Rank on ESPN card as part of a
co-promotion with Main Events and Krusher Promotions, in
association with Groupe Yvon Michel.

Alvarez knocked down Kovalev three times in the seventh
round and scored a TKO to capture the WBO light heavyweight
title in a shocking upset. Kovalev led on all three judges'
scorecards at the time of the stoppage and hopes to pick up
where the first six rounds left off.

"We are very happy to be joining forces with Top Rank and
ESPN for what we expect will be another exciting and
historic fight," said Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events.
"Sergey was clearly winning his first bout with Alvarez when
he just got caught. It happens. Congratulations to Alvarez
for his spectacular performance, but Sergey is a warrior. He
let me know that he is anxious to avenge this loss as soon
as possible. We are looking forward to the new year!"

"Bringing this marquee rematch to boxing fans on ESPN is a
great way to start 2019," said Top Rank President Todd
duBoef. "The light heavyweight division is loaded, and both
Kovalev and Alvarez have fan-friendly styles that will make
for another gripping fight."

Added Burke Magnus, ESPN Executive Vice President of
Programming and Scheduling: "This has been an exciting year
for boxing on ESPN, and the Kovalev-Alvarez rematch is
another example of the world-class caliber of events we look
forward to continue to showcase on Top Rank on ESPN in
2019."

Kovalev (32-3-1, 28 KOs) established himself as one of this
generation's preeminent light heavyweight champions with
nine title defenses across two title reigns. He first won
the WBO title in August 2013, traveling to Wales and
knocking out hometown champion Nathan Cleverly in the fourth
round. He became the unified champion in November 2014 with
a dominating 12-round decision against future Hall of Famer
Bernard Hopkins and further enhanced his résumé with a pair
of knockout wins against former lineal light heavyweight
champion Jean Pascal. Kovalev lost the title via
controversial decision loss to Andre Ward in November 2016.
After dropping the rematch via eighth-round TKO, Kovalev
recaptured the WBO title with a second-round TKO against
Vyacheslav Shabranskyy in November of last year. He defended
the title once before the first Alvarez bout.

Alvarez (24-0, 12 KOs), a former Colombian amateur standout
who resides in Montreal, is a nine-year pro with a host of
A-list names on his résumé, including: Kovalev, Pascal, and
former super middleweight world champion Lucian Bute. The
Kovalev triumph is the signature victory on his record. Come
2019, Alvarez hopes it's repeat rather than revenge.